<p>It seems that even though you choose which SAT test(s) to send, the college actually receives a record showing how many times and which dates you took it? If this is the case, is it OK to take it in Dec, March, May and October (if needed)? My kid took it in Dec, and is definitely taking it again in March, may skip May/June (to do AP's and SAT 11's) and then again in October depending on how March goes...thoughts? Should he take it in May AND Oct if need be? He's a junior and needs to get his score up about 150 points.</p>
<p>That sounds like a good plan. Twice, then in October if needed. With my son, retaking wasn’t all that effective because he would not do any prep. He did not reach the goal we had talked about, but it has not seemed to impact his admissions this year!</p>
<p>Mine hasn’t studied enough (yet) for March…has taken a prep class. He feels his Dec scores were low because it was his first try and he was a little anxious. He’s convinced that he can get the score he needs in March…but he isn’t killing himself practicing! His score isn’t indicative of his coursework. grades, GPA, etc., so it needs to improve! He’s trying to get into a range of top 50 LA schools. So, better to take it only 3 times, rather than 4? And, do the colleges see all dates taken?</p>
<p>There is score choice, where the highest scores are sent. Some of the tippy top schools require that all scores be sent. I do not know a thing about LACs because we did not look at them at all. </p>
<p>If he doesn’t already, try to have him sign up for the question a day on the CB site. I got my son flash cards. Wish I could send them to you. They are in pristine condition. ;)</p>
<p>I also tried to bribe my son: if you do well this time, you will be done. I also have a daughter who liked taking tests from the time she was little. I know they have the same father!</p>
<p>Yes, that’s the idea- get the score you need and you’re done and have time left to prep for AP’s and SAT ll’s. I really hate to see him have to deal with prepping over the summer while working, beginning college essays, etc. But, it’s his life and he will decide how seriously he wants to get into the schools he’s chosen! Like you, he has flash cards, several vocab books, and several practice test books. Got Direct Hits the day we saw his Dec scores! Fortunately, the 3 schools he prefers do not require all SAT scores. Glad to hear your son is getting the acceptances he wants! We are also in MD, but are looking mostly at schools in the west and in New England. He does have a few non LAC’s on the list. He’s also applying to MD-College Park , trying to get in the Honors Program (another reason to raise the score…), and possibly to St. Mary’s of MD (but he feels it’s too isolated down on the bay…).</p>
<p>Does anyone know if colleges get a report that shows the dates taken, but not the scores? How do they know you took it 4 times if you only sent the results of 1 or 2 tests?</p>
<p>SweePear, I created a schedule for my kid to practice, D2 preferred a bit of structure. I think, had I dumped tons of prep books on her, things might not turn out as well. I had to babySAT my kid prepping the SAT. Once school starts everything was too crazy for her. But her schoolwork comes first and prepping for the SAT comes next.</p>